THE IVERK SHOW
(The Barony Meeting)
1826- 1984

O'Connell's Clarion Call re-echoed throughout the land.
Now in the mid-1820's a new day had dawned.
Sensing this national upsurge and the threat it carried the 4th Earl of Bessborough reacted quickly. Calling together his advisors plus the "gentlemen farmers" of the Barony in October, 1826, he suggested a new deal to improve the lot of his tenants.Challenges were issued and accepted on the best rood of turnips, potatoes or oats. Judges were appointed to inspect and report. The best kept cottages with and without children, followed by the best vegetable plot engendered a healthy rivalry amongst the tenants. From this humble beginning Iverk gathered ever increasing momentum and is today acknowledged as one of Ireland's leading shows.

The early '50s saw a major change when a decision was taken to stage the show at a central venue and where better than at the grounds of the Big House at Kildalton. On the 3rd Thursday in September the crowds gathered from all ends of the Barony.
The apple exhibits gained the headlines in the local Press and in the cattle section where the medal was awarded to the best exhibit the various classes were well supported. On the show morning, as carts rumbled towards the grounds, Fiddown station was a hive of activity as horses and "Scuabeen Men" made their exit and headed for Piltown. Will Richardson as secretary was up and doing at an early hour for weeks before the show when entries were accepted from 6.30 a.m. at Belline.

At the turn of the century, Captain Penrose, the estate agent, was the main organiser. His car carried an IP-2 registration and was then regarded as one of the wonders of the day.
During World War 1 the show continued as usual. Admission at one shilling (6 cent!) meant that attempts were made to scale the glass topped walls, but the vigilant ash-plant wielders foiled most efforts. Some old timers who claimed they had never missed a show did not get to the grounds as the local tavern intervened. With porter at 2p per pint business was brisk and, as arguments gathered more momentum, the Peelers from the barracks at Fiddown were quickly on the scene.
Erecting the Grand Stand for the jumping was a major operation where patrons paid 1/6 extra on show day. This stand, when dismantled, was later re-erected at the Tinnakilly Racecourse.

1920 was break away year from the grounds of the Big House following the Anti-Irish outburst by Lord Bessborough in the House of Lords. The show was then staged outside the Demense wall in Fitzpatrick's (later Power's) field on two successive years.
The visit of the President of the Irish Free State on September 18, 1924 was a big event. Introduced by Very Rev. Canon Phelan, Mr. Cosgrave was accorded a great welcome. The jumping enclosure was railed off for the occasion. 250 yards of timber railings from Curraghmore Estate cost a whole £30.00 then ( 38)! Rev. Canon Kellett, Dr. Jellett, Dan Sheehan, the creamery manager, Ned Power of Brenor, David Burke, Ken White, John Reid and Louis Dowley were names appearing on the local Press at that time with that of the secretary, Willie Hennebry.

In the mid 1930s the dog show drew the crowds. The competitions were sponsored by Spratts and their dog boxes arrived by train at Fiddown.
Paddy O'Grady, ably assisted by Arthur Morris, had to process many objections however. Irish dancing was then a feature, with Mrs. Power of Tobernabrone as chief organiser.
1938 was disaster year as gale force winds swept across the county and demolished the tents including that of Bishop Caterers, Kildare, who did the bar, and Greers of Waterford, both of whom were regulars during the 1930s. A deluge followed. Several classes including the jumping were cancelled. No wonder then, that with war clouds gathering over Europe in 1939, that the show was abandoned.

 

 

 

Following the visit of Canon Hayes, of Muintir na Tire fame, to Piltown in 1947 the newly formed Guild, with Louis Dowley as Chairman, organised an indoor show. John Duggan, Michael Colfer, Ger Sullivan, Jim Cooney, Tom Leahy and Jim Doran were the main organisers of the annual event in Columbas Hall.

1951 was revival year when, following a series of meetings, Iverk was reborn. Jack Duggan of Belline was the driving power, ably assisted by Buddy Walsh, Jimmy Purcell, Martin Maher and Maurice O'Shea. Louis Dowley was Chairman and Jerry O'Donoghue of Templeorum as Secretary, assisted by Willie Hennebry plus the members of Muintir na Tire and representatives from Mooncoin where Ireland's first Young Farmers' Club had been established a few years earlier, formed the nucleus of the revival team. Tom Walsh of Ardclone offered his grounds as a venue. Bob Duggan of Owning made his debut as caterer, and Paddy Murphy who had worked on preparing the grounds at Bessborough since 1930, was roped in as contractor. Major Dermot McCalmont supplied the jumps. All went well with a profit of £20.00. The Barony meeting was back on the road.
The ladies played an important part in those early revival years. Mrs. Mary Archdale Morris, Miss Power O'Shea, Nellie Stephenson, Mrs. Eileen O'Shea were the leading lights, plus the energetic Mrs. Murray-Smith whose "Best turned out Creamery Cart" contest got the ball rolling early on show morning.

In 1954 it was back to the original house in Bessborough, now owned by the Oblate Fathers. Next move was in 1958 as more space was needed - hence the present location.
Many obstacles had to be overcome and many challenges faced during those early revival years. The first major clash was with Waterford Show, who early in 1953, advertised their show date for the 3rd Thursday in September. Louis Dowley, Jack Duggan and the Secretary hammered out the pros and cons with Mr. Healy and Arthur Doyle of Waterford at a meeting in Anthony's Inn. Jack Duggan's "No Surrender" stand was unchanged and negotiations broke down. Waterford, however, later changed their date and Iverk had weathered the storm.

Two years later Carlow moved in on our traditional date. All attempts to solve the problem ended in failure. Both shows were held on what was a glorious day. Carlow did not survive - thankfully we did.
An amusing incident on that show evening was the announcement by Gerry Sullivan over the public address that Billy Breen's duck was lost, stolen or strayed. Billy himself was not amused. He evidently didn't mean ''maybe'' as he wielded his stick and demanded that his duck should be found or paid for. The remark that the duck being of the Indian Runner family had raced off to the local pub only added to Billy's ire. The tension was dispelled, however, as the gatemen reported that a duck had hit off down the road. The crowds followed on Billy's heels as the show was now over and the bewildered bird, having run out of steam, was easily overpowered outside the local Inn.

Another problem arose the following year when Major McCalmont's jumps were sold, but Major Murray-Smith bought a set and the show used them free of charge for a few years till they were sold, and on the following years up to 1981 the Dunmaggin-Ballyhale sets were hired. Collecting and returning said jumps posed a major problem but Robert's men and later John O'Shea and Alfie Brophy with their lorries did the needful.

 

The late Summer of 1958 was weather-wise a disaster and a special meeting was called with a view to postponing or cancelling the show. With water-logged fields and wretched harvest prospects the realists had a good case and painted a grim picture. The optimists however won the day and the show on a warm sunny day drew a record crowd.
With Louis Dowley still as Chairman the show continued to grow. The good coverage in the local Press helped to bring the crowds and sun shone invariably on show day.
The advent of Robert Dowley set the show scene alight. His men and machines moved in to assist Paddy Murphy. The adjoining lands were acquired and a spacious car park opened up and a storage shed was erected. Now we had four jumping arenas. Prize money was doubled. The Roses competition - an All-Ireland Final - brought 2-year-old fillies from all over the country. The response was striking as the record attendance doubled the gate takings.

With Tom Fielding as Chairman, the show continued to snowball. The Maid of Avonmore Final was now the highlight in the cattle section, while the Roses attracted competitors and patrons in ever increasing numbers. The new car park was crammed and the unloading field was bursting at the seams.

With Tommy Kinsella at the helm, additional ground was acquired from the local Hurling Club. A set of jumps were to be built by voluntary labour and eventually four sets were completed, costing less than £5,000 but valued at three times that figure.
In 1983, our being selected as venue for the All-Ireland Martell sponsored Brood Mare Final, was certainly a vote of confidence in our efficiency by the Irish Shows' Association.
And now, in 1984, we take a major leap forward - the outright purchase of eight acres. After 158 years, Ireland's oldest show has a home and its survival is assured, or will be, we trust, when you our patrons have digested the contents of this fund-raising appeal - over to you!